By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

Dillin Diehm became the seventh Top 10 player in Indiana's 2015 class to officially commit.  The 6-foot-2, 195 pound left handed hitting 1B out of Garrett High School is headed to Indiana State University.  

We first saw Diehm in the summer of 2012 in a homerun hitting contest at Ohio State.  After launching several balls over the right field wall, it was apparent he one of the more special left handed hitters not only in Indiana, but in all of the Midwest.

During last year's Preseason All State Showcase in Indianapolis, Diehm displayed exactly what you want in a first baseman at the next level.  He hit from the left side with projectable power and fluid rhythm.  He consistently got to extension with quick bat speed and displayed tons of juice.  

Below Diehm discusses why he committed to Indiana State:

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Indiana State?

I respected the time the coaching staff made for me.  They made me feel like I was a part of the program since the first day I walked on campus October 24, 2013. I had Head Coach Hannahs and the coaching staff taking every visit to sit down with me and get to know me as a person and not just the player they wanted to fill the position. Every time I went to visit the coaching staff they had time for me! ISU recruits a few select players, they just don’t take any ball player and recruit them. They want hard working players and that’s me! I know that ISU is working hard on the 2015 class and great things are coming for the program. 

PBR: What other schools were you interested in?

Indiana University, Ohio State University, Ohio University, Wright State, Middle Tennessee University, Florida Gulf Coast, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. I am thankful for the schools that had an interest in me as a ball player during this process, it just made it much easier to make my decision. 

PBR: Where did Indiana State first see you compete?

At the end of my 8th grade year, starting my freshman year I went down and did a showcase at the University. They have been following me and my growth ever since. 

PBR: What do the coaches expect of you when you first arrive on campus?

They expect me to play the corners and bat in the middle of the lineup, as well as help lead the team as an underclassman. 

PBR: You played with the Midland Redskins organization this summer, what was that experience like?

The experience was great! I got to know what it was like to be away from home and my family, and be responsible for myself and training and my nutrition. I played very good competition every day, and lots of colleges and pro scouts attended the facility daily to watch players. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you've faced in Indiana.

It’s hard to say because it's all good pitching that I have faced over the years. Baseball is a game of failure and it is how you handle that failure and success. 

PBR: What is your most memorable moment as a baseball player?

My most memorable moment so far was hitting a grand slam at the University of Cincinnati to put the game in extra innings. 

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

My family. They have been the best support for me as a son, brother; student and baseball player through all of the good and bad and I love them for it. It has made me the person I am today. 

PBR: Now that you've committed, what are your goals heading into the high school season?

Work hard this off season with my fitness trainer and live in the cage hitting and working on fielding.